Drone Delivery Test Flights Expected in Cork Within Days as Airspace Restrictions Set to Be Revised

Drone delivery company Manna is understood to be preparing initial test flights in Cork city within days, as controversial airspace restrictions introduced this week are expected to be significantly revised following pressure from local representatives and the wider drone industry.

It is understood that Manna will begin test flights in the South East Ward, covering the Mahon, Blackrock, Douglas, and Rochestown areas, with initial drops understood to be sample deliveries to select customers. The exact location has not yet been confirmed publicly.

The developments come after the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) introduced temporary restrictions on drone flights across large parts of Cork city this week, requiring operators to provide 48 hours' notice and obtain permission from air traffic control at Cork Airport before flying. The restrictions were introduced to facilitate Manna's Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) delivery operations, but drew immediate criticism from local businesses, community groups, and elected representatives who argued they placed an unfair and disproportionate burden on existing drone users, including search and rescue volunteers, photographers, and surveyors.

It is now understood that the two-day notice requirement is set to be rescinded, with a revised arrangement to be put in place that would accommodate existing drone users operating within current regulations. It is understood that both Manna and the IAA have taken on board concerns raised by councillors and the drone community.

Dublin-based Manna, which has operated air delivery services in communities including Moneygall, Oranmore, Balbriggan, and Blanchardstown, says it is currently exploring how its service could work in Cork, following interest from local independent retailers and residents. On its website, the company's founder and CEO, Bobby Healy, addresses Cork residents directly.

Bobby Healy, CEO of Manna, said:

"We are currently exploring how Manna's Air Delivery service could work in Cork, following interest from independent retailers and from people locally who have asked us to consider bringing the service to the area. In every community where we have launched, the service has helped ease pressure on local businesses, reduced traffic, and cut carbon emissions by replacing short car, scooter, and moped trips with electric aircraft."

He added that the company typically creates between 35 and 50 jobs when entering a new area, many filled by people from the local community, and emphasised that all operations are conducted within Ireland's aviation regulatory framework and in line with European safety standards.

An industry meeting took place on Monday night, organised by the Unmanned Aircraft Association of Ireland and attended by Manna representatives, to discuss a path forward on the restrictions.

Cork City Councillor Oliver Moran, who attended the meeting, described the discussions as a significant step forward.

Cllr Oliver Moran said:

"It's an evolving situation, but what I saw last night was certainly a significant step forward in terms of finding an industry position on the new restrictions. There are ideas emerging, some with potential to put Cork at the forefront of the industry in terms of the sharing of airspace. I would push for a maximalist position on the ideas discussed. We need to see how that advances and that all partners involved, including the IAA, will step up to that challenge."

He also highlighted how rapidly drone technology has become embedded in everyday life.

Cllr Moran added:

"One of the things that this crisis has highlighted is how far and how quickly drone use in the day-to-day life of a city has advanced. They are now used in everything from wedding photography to civil engineering to search and rescue."

The councillor called on Cork City Council to take a more proactive role in supporting the drone sector, noting that drones are not currently referenced in the city's development plan, whether in planning regulations or in supporting STEM and community uses such as flight parks.

Cllr Moran continued:

"If we can all evolve quickly to meet that challenge, there are opportunities, but that has to be for everyone and in the common good."

The IAA has confirmed that emergency services retain absolute priority under any airspace arrangements, with all non-emergency drone activity to be paused immediately when required. A public consultation on plans to make a permanent drone zone in Cork is open until 17:00 on 14 March 2026.